THE Generation Game is set to make a sensational return to TV – but without Strictly star Sir Bruce Forsyth at the helm.

The BBC is said to be planning to air a new version of the beloved game show within a year, with comedienne Miranda Hart fronting the programme.

The 41-year-old star of Call The Midwife and Miranda has been open about her admiration for the show's former host Sir Bruce, and if chosen for the show, would become the first ever female host of The Generation Game.

A BBC source revealed to the Mail on Sunday that a pilot is already in the works, and that Hart is the number one choice for the job.

"Everyone is excited about this happening," the insider said. "Miranda is a great fan of the original show and she has made no secret of her admiration for Sir Bruce Forsyth, the show’s very first host. Miranda and The Generation Game could be a match made in telly heaven."

The Generation Game was one of the biggest shows of the 1970s [REX]

Miranda and The Generation Game could be a match made in telly heaven

A BBC insider

However Beeb officials were today remaining more tight-lipped, just saying coyly: "It's in the early ideas stage at the moment and nothing is confirmed."

The Generation Game started in 1971, presented by Sir Bruce, and brought catchphrases like "It's nice to see you, to see you nice" and "Didn't he do well?" into the national mindset.

After Forsyth's departure in 1977, Larry Grayson hosted the show into the eighties, before Jim Davidson fronted the series from 1995 until 2002.

The game show involves family members in teams of two competing against others in skill tests or performances in a bid to reach the final.

At the end of the show, the winning team try to remember items passing them on a conveyor belt – which always included a cuddly toy – in order to take them home.

It is unknown as yet who will co-host the new show with Miranda, and whether she will swap the famous hostesses for males.

Miranda could be the new face of weekend telly [PA]

Miranda already has a bit of experience with The Generation Game, having taken part in a special Comic Relief episode in 2011 – although she was just a team member rather than a host.

The actress told Bruce Forsyth last year during an interview that she thought The Generation Game was one of the best game shows in TV history.

If the famous conveyor belt does return to our screens, it won't be the only golden oldie making a comeback.

Fifteen To One, one of TV's toughest quizzes, returned to Channel 4 at the start of the month, this time fronted by Sandi Toksvig.

And many viewers have noted that Rob Brydon's new show The Guess List bares a striking similarity to classic programme Blankety Blank.

Sir Bruce was the show's first host, with Larry Grayson and Jim Davidson also presenting [REX]